Yanyin Canon II Review

Today, we’re diving deep into the Yanyin Canon II Hybrid In-Ear Monitors, available at $379 USD.

Disclaimer: Yanyin Canon II was provided by Linsoul for the purpose of this review, at no cost. As always, the article reflects my unbiased opinion.

Yanyin Company

Yanyin Technology Co. Ltd., based in Fuzhou, China, is the brainchild of enthusiast audiophiles with a mission: to craft IEMs that deliver top-tier audio performance without breaking the bank. Their rapid ascent in the audio industry has garnered them a global fanbase. With a current line-up of 7 distinct products, Yanyin has made its mark. We’ve previously reviewed some of their offerings, which you can check through this link. Today, our focus is on the Canon II, the successor to the OG Canon.

My journey with Yanyin has been quite positive from the beginning. Each and every IEM in their line -except from Aladdin, which I have not heard- not only showcases their technical prowess, but also sets a standard that’s becoming more and more rare in today’s audio industry. Hats off to the brains behind these IEMs. From the original Canon to the Moonlight Ultra, there is a consistent level of technical excellence that’s easy to admire.

Yanyin Canon II – Hybrid In-Ear Monitors with Adjustable Switches

The Canon II builds upon the legacy of the original Canon, an IEM I personally rank among the top contenders under the $500 bracket. Naturally, my expectations for the Canon II are high. While retaining the same driver count, the Canon II has streamlined its tuning switches from three in the original to two. It features the latest bio-dynamic driver paired with a new dual-chamber acoustic waveguide. It’s predecessor’s mid-mid/high and ultra-high tuning switches are now in history. Instead, the Canon II introduces two different bass switches, offering precise control over the entire region that covers sub to mid-bass.

The Canon II, like its predecessor, is a hybrid monitor. Each shell houses 5 drivers, configured as 4BA + 1DD. Yanyin claims that the Canon II’s configuration is tailored to resonate with a plethora of musical genres. 

Following Yanyin’s signature style, the Canon II features handcrafted shells prepared from medical resin. This iteration, however, showcases an intriguing galaxy-themed design on its acrylic shells, executed with impressive craftsmanship. The Canon II is accompanied by a graphene SPC litz cable and is presented in revamped packaging compared to the OG. Priced at $379 USD, you have the option to choose from 4.4mm, 2.5mm, or 3.5mm terminated cables.

Specifications

Driver Configuration: Hybrid – x1 DD, x4 BA

Socket: 0.78mm – 2Pin

Housing: Medical-Grade Resin, Custom Faceplates

Cable: 1.2m 4-braid Litz

Termination: 2-pin 0.78mm + 3.5mm/2.5mm/4.4mm

Impedance: 27 ≬ 40 Ω

Sensitivity: 112dB

Packaging & Accessories

The Canon II is presented in revamped packaging, dominated by dark gray tones. Sliding off the outer cardboard sleeve reveals a motto “Belongs to the Audiophile.” written on the inner hard cardboard box. Inside, the box thoughtfully presents a card detailing the nuances of the tuning switches, however, in Chinese. We would have been happier if the other side of the card had the same explanation in English, but there is no need to worry because we will explain the details in this review. Beneath the card, a compartment, meticulously cushioned with dense foam, houses the earphones and accessories.

Much like its predecessor, the Canon II offers 4 pairs of wide-bore ear tips made of silicone. These are Yanyin’s signature tips, and they are of good quality. Even for an audiophile with an inclination for tip-rolling and experimenting with various third-party tips, Yanyin’s default offerings remain unparalleled. After trying dozens of tips, I could only find one set of tips that performs as well as the default tips, so if there are tip-rolling fans like me reading this review, I’ll leave the name here for them: Nuarl Block Ear+ Tips.

Back to the accessories, the Canon II comes with a chic carrying case, finished in beautiful Windsor Tan color and crafted from faux leather. It can comfortably secure both the earphones and the cable and maybe a small dongle DAC. I really like the carrying case as it looks and feels premium. The OG Canon came with this exact carrying case and I’m glad Yanyin didn’t change it. In this model, Yanyin has paired the Canon II with a premium Graphene + Silver-Plated Single Crystal Copper litz cable. It has a pliable structure and soft cable jacket that enhances the feel and also contributes to the ease-of-use, especially outside. The overall quality of the cable is quite nice, adding to the premium feel of the Canon II.

Design, Build & Comfort

The Canon II showcases shells meticulously crafted from high-quality medical-grade resin. Each set is handcrafted by Yanyin’s dedicated team of engineers. The Canon II’s theme particularly caught my eye. Its galaxy faceplates are adorned with rays of glitter, evoking images of a comet, while the sprinkling of glitter flakes across the faceplates paints a picture of a starry night. This design is reminiscent of the Yanyin Moonlight IEM, but the Canon II elevates it, especially with the way the rays and glitter flakes play with light, creating a captivating visual effect.

The body of the Canon II is made of opaque black resin, ensuring no visibility through it. The transition from the faceplate to the shell is seamless. Retaining elements from the original Canon, the Canon II features a metal nozzle and employs the same metal mesh filter seen in the Moonlight. However, there are subtle differences between the two Canons. The OG Canon’s shell was contoured to nestle within the cochlea area, but the Canon II adopts a flatter design with fewer protrusions. Notably, the dynamic driver ventilation port remains in its original position, just above the switches on the shell’s rear. The nozzle’s angle has been slightly adjusted to face more outward. A standout change is the Canon II’s size, which is approximately 15% larger than its predecessor. Given its 5 drivers, complex crossover system, and dual-chamber acoustic chamber, this size is still quite compact compared to its rivals.

In terms of fit, the Canon II stands the test of time. Even after a long 14-hour session, I did not notice any discomfort. The craftsmanship is impeccable, with no evident flaws. The IEMs offer a snug fit, ensuring no irritation even whilst walking around. As for isolation, the solid acrylic shell provides great passive noise cancellation for a universal IEM.

The review continues on the next page. Click here or use the jump below.

Page 1: Yanyin, Canon II, Packaging & Accessories, Design, Build & Fit

Page 2: Sound, Technical Capability, Comparisons, Last Words